25 February 2010

A Song for Everyone

I'm not going to let you off the hook regarding Haiti -- you'll be seeing more posts here about that nation as they rebuild from the earthquake and the poverty that long preceded it. But neither will it consume all of our attention, not when there's great music -- and great need -- elsewhere on the planet as well.

Where? Well, Africa. UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo uses her Batonga Foundation to advocate for better education for girls throughout Africa. Now she's taking a direct musical approach, teaming up with Peter Buffett on the catchy "Song For Everyone." And all proceeds from sales of the single go to Batonga. Can this really make a difference? Consider:

2 downloads buys a girl a math set 3 downloads buys a girl lunch during the school day 5 downloads buys a girl a textbook 10 downloads buys a girl a school bag or uniform 1,000 downloads pays school fees for an entire classroom of 45 girls to go to school for a year

"Our ancestors fought for our freedom and the pride of human kind," Kidjo says. "Each one of us has a responsibility to hold the torch and pass it on intact to the next generation."

"Collaborating with Angelique was a wonderful surprise," says Buffett. "Her passion, energy and commitment - both to her music and in support of girl's education was incredibly inspiring."

I'm not posting the mp3, 'cause that would kind of defeat the purpose of fundraising, right? But you can hear it free here. And you can buy it on Amazon for 99 cents.

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SoundRoots provides information about and commentary on ethnic arts and world cultures, particularly what's known around here as "world music." Frequent mp3 postings too, so you can listen while you read. Live Locally, Groove Globally!

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